Bill Selak Talks

In this episode, I jump into the lessons we can learn from Bad Astronaut’s latest stripped-down track, “Gray Suits,” and how these lessons can transform our approach to teaching. Inspired by the minimalist arrangement of vocals, cello, and keys, I explore the concept of restraint in the classroom.

We talk about the power of doing less—whether it’s decluttering the physical classroom space or reducing teacher talk time—to enhance student focus, creativity, and engagement. Drawing parallels between music production and education, I challenge the traditional notion of adding more and instead advocate for a more thoughtful, pared-down approach to teaching. Join me in rethinking how less can truly be more in our educational practices.

In this episode, I dive into how being a musician shapes the way I approach teaching and using tools like ChatGPT. Inspired by fellow educator-musician Brian Ravizza, I explore how the collaborative mindset of a musician can lead to better results when working with AI. Think of ChatGPT as a bandmate—someone to bounce ideas off, riff with, and co-create. Join me as I explore how this ‘bandmate’ approach can boost your creativity and productivity. Whether you’re into music, education, or tech, this episode will get you thinking differently about AI.

In this episode, I dive into the world of AI-generated music and its transformative potential in education. By leveraging AI tools, we can democratize music production, enabling every student to create professional-quality music with just a simple prompt.

I’ll explore how this technology allows us to focus on creativity, rather than the technicalities of music production, and discuss practical applications for the classroom. Join me as we envision a future where every student can be a music producer, regardless of their technical skills. Let’s make music creation accessible and exciting for all!

In this melodic episode, we riff on the revolutionary landscape of generative AI music, where the fusion of technology and creativity is hitting a new high note. I share my awe-struck experience diving into platforms like Suno and Udio, where I discovered the power of AI to compose music that resonates with our modern times. We’ll explore what generative AI music really means—from the technical beats per minute to the emotional chords that strike within us.

Listen in as I dissect the process of creating a rock song with a melodic pop-punk twist, all about how AI can amplify the creativity of teachers and students. You’ll get to hear the entire AI-generated song, a testament to the astonishing capabilities of these platforms. But don’t expect just a play-by-play of tech; we’ll also ponder the profound implications for music as we know it. Can AI really capture the soulful essence that connects us to our favorite tunes? Will it change the way we experience music, or will it simply become the new norm for background tracks and educational projects?

In this episode, buckle up for a drive-time rant that shifts gears into the future of creative writing in the age of generative AI. As we cruise through a landscape where technology is rapidly transforming the way we express ourselves, I challenge the misconception that AI tools like ChatGPT will render learning to write obsolete. Instead, I argue that the art of crafting words has never been more crucial.

Discover how being a prompt engineer—or let’s say, a creative writer with a knack for vivid descriptions—can turn anyone into a graphic designer, simply by typing text into an AI. I delve into the importance of adjectives, not for the sake of embellishment, but as the fuel for generating more precise and impactful AI responses, whether in text, image, or soon, video form.

Join me as I explore how the ability to articulate scenes and emotions with clarity and creativity is about to redefine storytelling and visual communication. This is not just a game-changer for writers but for educators and students alike, who now have the power to bring their words to life as never before.

In this episode, we riff on the evolution of music production and its striking parallels to educational technology. I’m thrilled to share the journey of creating a punk rock song from scratch with my old bandmate Brent, using nothing but our laptops and a dash of creativity. I reminisce about the days of recording in a professional studio, navigating the hefty hardware and the hefty costs, and compare it to the sleek, swift, and virtually cost-free process of modern digital music production.

As we break down the barriers between the past and present, you’ll get an exclusive listen to our latest collaboration, a song that embodies the DIY spirit and showcases the capabilities of today’s tech. We’ll explore how this process mirrors project-based learning, the importance of creative expression in education, and the profound implications of anytime, anywhere, any pace learning.

This episode is a testament to the power of iteration, the beauty of collaboration, and the transformative nature of technology in both music and education. It’s a reminder that we can bring our whole selves to our work and that sometimes, a creative interlude can enhance our focus and passion in every aspect of life.

So plug in your headphones, prepare to be inspired, and let’s dive into a discussion that harmonizes the chords of edtech and punk rock. Whether you’re an educator, a musician, or just someone who loves to see creativity in action, this episode of Bill Selak Talks is sure to strike a chord. ;)

In this episode of Bill Selak Talks, we take a twisty turn into the colorful world of Rubik’s cubes and the unexpected lessons they hold for educators and lifelong learners. Join me as I share my personal journey from curiosity to conquering the iconic puzzle, all thanks to the democratizing power of YouTube tutorials. Discover how a simple quest to solve a Rubik’s cube unravels profound insights into the value of repetition, the joy of learning, and the transformative potential of technology in education.

We’ll delve into the parallels between mastering the cube and fostering student-centered learning, emphasizing the importance of personalized learning paths and the wealth of resources available at our fingertips. From the initial intrigue sparked by a Voxer chat with friends to the triumphant five-minute solve, this episode is a testament to the magic of embracing challenges and the breakthroughs that can be achieved through technology.

Whether you’re an educator looking to inspire your students or a lifelong learner chasing that “someday” skill, this episode will motivate you to harness the tools of our digital age. So, if you’re ready to be encouraged, to take risks, and to find joy in the journey of learning, tune in to this episode of Bill Selak Talks, where we explore the endless possibilities that technology brings into our lives and classrooms.

In this poignant episode of Bill Selak Talks, we dive deep into the heart of education’s most profound dilemma: the balancing act between unwavering dedication and personal health. Inspired by a story of a teacher grading papers in his final hours, we explore the pressures educators face, the unrealistic expectations placed upon them, and the urgent need for boundaries. Learn practical tips for preparing lesson plans in advance, leveraging digital tools, and most importantly, giving ourselves permission to prioritize health over heroics. It’s a call to arms for educators to safeguard their wellbeing, ensuring they can continue to inspire without sacrificing themselves. Tune in, as we redefine dedication in education.

In this episode, I dive into the challenges and victories of maintaining creativity under pressure. Reflecting on my pre-kids photo-a-day project, I share how a simple challenge evolved into a profound journey of self-discovery, revealing the importance of pushing through creative blocks. From the mundane to the inspired, every photo tells a story of perseverance. I also explore modern creative solutions, like leveraging ChatGPT for idea generation, and the lessons learned from creating my annual Apple Distinguished Educator video under constraint. This episode uncovers the beauty of creating, even when inspiration seems out of reach, and emphasizes my innovative use of Apple hardware and software in education and personal projects.

In this episode of Bill Selak Talks, I muse over the quirky yet insightful ways my children interact with technology, revealing a generational bridge that I, as a Xennial, find myself balancing. I’m the go-to tech guide for both my parents and my kids, yet I’m also the playful target of my kids’ tech-savvy trolling antics.

Join me as I recount the evolution of photo-taking, from toddler selfies to a near-impossible mission to snap a picture with my wife without our kids’ interference. I’ll share the amusing ways they’ve commandeered my Netflix account, transforming my watchlist into a carousel of Swan Princess episodes and how they’ve turned car rides into a battleground with Siri and Kidz Bop. ;)

But it’s not all light-hearted mischief. This episode dives deeper into the implications of digital fluency, debunking the myth of “digital natives” and stressing the importance of explicit instruction in media literacy and digital citizenship. I’ll explore how despite their intuitive grasp of technology, kids still require guidance to harness these tools for academic success.